37.5 hours per week: Wed–Sat (or some variant thereof) April–Sept and Mon–Fri Oct–March.
Address
Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden Walled Garden just outside Haddington –
Amisfield.org.uk - in East Lothian is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer
project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking an Assistant Garden
Manager to help ensure that Amisfield is a well-maintained, safe, secure, and
beautiful year-round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers.
Whilst formal horticultural training is NOT essential for the position, you must be able
to demonstrate understanding of plant propagation, composting, soil management
and organic weed control, fruit and vegetable growing, and basic pruning technique.
Most importantly, you will have excellent communication skills, and experience
working with a range of people, either in a professional or previous volunteering
capacity.
As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will be
working a five-day shift pattern, working with the Garden Manager (who will follow a
similar but complementary shift pattern) to ensure at least one of you is in the garden
each day, including weekends, during those months. You will manage your working
hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your
time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in
lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Garden Manager.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work
settings – there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of
plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of
people of all ages and abilities, and with volunteers. You need good organisational
skills to help the Garden Manager plan, coordinate and deliver a range of activities.
You will have experience of working with volunteers, some of whom are vulnerable,
and will be able to develop and grow our volunteering capacity and opportunities.
The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of
employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A
job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.
Key Responsibilities
* Volunteer and Visitor Support: Lead practical gardening sessions, provide guidance for volunteers. and ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.
* Day-to-day Management: Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts.
* Assist the Garden Manager in planning, coordinating and delivering volunteer sessions.
* Overlap with the Garden Manager for one day a week to conduct handovers.
Requirements
* RHS Level 2 or strong practical gardening skills gained through extensive personal experience, in a nursery, garden centre, estate or large garden.
* Patience and communication skills for volunteers of varying abilities.
* Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently.
* IT literacy and familiarity with social media.
* Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately
* PVG clearance
How to apply
Please send a CV and accompanying letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) outlining how you meet the job requirements to chair@amisfield.org.uk .
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